A Cornucopia of Blessings
For the Pfister family, holiday get-togethers are priceless.
Hey gang! We made it through this unusual year and by the time you read this, it will be the eve of good ol’ Turkey Day with only 30 more shopping days ‘til Christmas!
This has been some year so far. Anyone in business looking for help, well… good luck. And if you were going to drive a couple of states over to see grandma, it may be cheaper to fly!
The leaves are up, mower winterized, hoses in, wood split, and the Turkey is thawed… I’d say you were ready for some self-reflection time.
Though it’s been a tough financial year, maybe hold on those retirement thoughts a bit longer. We are mask-less, for the most part, and the death rate in the ICUs isn’t where it once was. And heck, the only time we heard from DeWine was during his successful campaign for another term.
The Guardians had a super season that generated a lot of positive vibes in the Cleveland sporting world. This energy has continued through to the young-but-exciting Cavaliers, who are currently in third place in the Eastern Conference.
And riding on the wave of World Cup Soccer this week, it was announced by local organizers that in 2025, Cleveland will have a new MLS NEXT Pro soccer team, joining founding member Rochester New York FC and second member Carolina Core FC.
Now just look at all you have to be thankful for (on the lighter side-of-things)!
Pictured: A past Thanksgiving at the Pfister household when the former matriarchs were still alive.
But let’s take a closer look at the real blessings you may be overlooking…
This is the first Thanksgiving for my wife and her family without her mom, the matriarch and organizer/cook of the last 60 odd years. Sentiments running strong (and in honor of my mother-in-law), we volunteered to host Thanksgiving for my wife’s side of the family on Thursday, being that our home is central to everyone.
This is the second Thanksgiving for my side of the family without my mom (who was also my family’s matriarch and organizer/cook for the past 80 years). Being told by my lost family that my home is centrally positioned in Ohio, do you see a trend here? Terri and I are hosting Thanksgiving for my family on Saturday. (My family had a lot of Friday workers and if we had it on Saturday, they could spend the night.)
I must tell you, if you can get over the not-on-the-actual-day celebration and move your Thanksgiving to Saturday, it has additional benefits. Those special out-of-towners (who you only see a couple times a year but really love being with) can spend the night; and a quiet Sunday morning breakfast chat, one-on-one, can be truly meaningful. Trust me, my out-of-town brother and I have bonded better over a couple-hour breakfast than a whole week with our kids on vacation!
If you have divorced couples and the kids are shared, Saturday takes the pressure off and the kids get to spend time with both parents. More importantly, the kids get to see both sets of grandparents and that, I feel, is one of the most important aspects of Thanksgiving — renewing and strengthening family ties.
I was surprised this year, on the number of patients and parents of patients, when asked 2-3 weeks ago how they were going to spend their Thanksgiving…
Most didn’t have a clue!
Seriously, if you don’t have plans by November 1st (plans for where, when, and who brings what), you probably ain’t gettin’ together and, as the holiday draws near, Bob Evans may be your only option. If nobody is stepping up, then you and your significant other should step up and volunteer to host. Take it from me, you never know how many in your immediate and extended family may not be here next year! Once they are gone, all the wouldas and shouldas won’t bring them back. Yes, it takes some effort, but what is worthwhile in life that doesn’t? And as I always say, live life with the least regrets.
Now, if my readers would be so kind as to allow me to throw out some tips on being a host or hostess (tips that I have been told or found out by personal experience), I have a few coming your way...
Let’s start with the time of dinner. Be respectful of those that have to drive but also those who are older and nearby. Two to three o’clock seems to be an agreed upon time for dinner to be served. Crackers, cheese, and snacks can be set out at one. This way dinner can be leisurely eaten and dessert completed by four or five for those who may need to visit another relative.
This one is probably controversial, but all tables — small or large — should have a centerpiece. Simple and creative is just fine. Hobby Lobby has killer ideas and usually on sale!
Who sits where? I have been in trouble since I insisted on assigned seats at our wedding, but separating the adults from the kids (as my mother did for most of my formative years) never helped me understand my grandfather. Insisting won’t play out in many families, but strategic placement of adults with adolescents can really do wonders for some interesting table conversations.
But watch the alcohol! My mother never let there be alcohol at Thanksgiving dinners and I have to agree with her. I don’t think alcohol generates love or brings family members together. Usually it’s just the opposite. My mother was the quintessential hostess. She took her role to the extreme and was always serving somebody something. She rarely sat down, and she was clearing and cleaning for the next course as soon as possible (and always with a smile and kiss on the cheek). Try that at your next outing and watch the response. Hosts have to refrain a bit!
I feel a prayer is always appropriate and, if you can’t do it, then ask someone a couple days ahead of time and give them a few names of deceased and shut-ins who could be included in the prayer. Some families love it when the five-year-old gives a rendition of “God is Great.” Young ones need to be included and feel a part of the celebration, but personally I’ve always felt a family sage should have the honor of the prayer after the child’s. They just seem to know how to tie it all together.
Recently, we have added holding hands to the mix. The size of the group will determine the reality of this. And then briefly, have each of the children tell something that was cool that they did (an award, went somewhere, saw a good movie, etc.). Just try to get every young person to participate. We need to make all the young people and young adults feel important and that the family is behind them, win or lose. We’ve gone so far as to hit the 22-32 year-olds for a quick report on their first, second, or whatever-the-number job they are now participating in.
Now, if the dinner isn’t ice cold, let’s eat!
I enjoy Thanksgiving more than any other holiday. Yes, I like Christmas, but there is always more stress due to gift-buying and giving. Thanksgiving is purely families getting together with good conversation and food. There isn’t anything better than that (unless it’s held at an all-inclusive in Mexico!). Just kidding. The current inflation and poor economy is going to keep some families from getting together, and that is a damn shame! Seriously, it can be carry-out from Taco Bell served on card tables in a garage or shed — just get together and have some conversation face-to-face, no texting and no masks; it will do your heart and soul a world of good.
This Thanksgiving, stop the world for one afternoon, get off those devices, and reconnect with those around you… while they are still around you!
On behalf of my family and staff, I would like to extend the warmest of wishes for all my readers to have a meaningful and reconnected Thanksgiving with your families and friends. Remember, you get out of an experience what you put into it. Promise me on Thursday you’ll make it great!
Happy Thanksgiving,
The Pfisters